Check out our chat with Carole Nassif, Managing Partner at Graniti, a design and building manufacturer in Dubai.
What brought you to Dubai?
I came to Dubai based on an opportunity with my brother during the early years of Graniti with a short term plan to assist in the business management, and here we are 16 years later. In addition to our stellar performance and good work ethics, today we stand out to be one of the most competitive ceramic trading companies and as of now our manpower strength stands at 100 plus employees. Dubai provides investment options in a highly progressive and multicultural environment. The economy is one of the most stable economies in the world and the rate of improvement is higher than other fast progressing economies in the Middle East. The lifestyle here is diverse as it offers a multitude of venues where everyone can have a good time as well as world class infrastructure and quality products that enhance your lifestyle.
Describe a typical day.
There is no typical day as such, although we consider every day as a challenge and it is our passion that drives us to the maximum. We follow the standard business practice based on our standard procedures.
The day starts with meeting the vendors to discuss further diversification of the products based on the current trend in the market and the requirement from the clients. We always take the utmost care of our clients, be it at corporate or an individual level as, for us, the customer is always right. We provide them with tailor made solutions or you may call it total solutions. I have been innovative in renovating the new displays involving all FF&E to make the best possible displays that give us an edge to keep a high impact on designers and clients who visit our showrooms.
How did you get into this profession?
By the time I graduated in Business Management I was in my late 20s. I came to Dubai to assist my brother in the sales and management of the company. I wanted to push myself to the maximum. The competition at corporate level is fierce and has never been greater and it’s important that you grab every opportunity for competitive advantage and stay one step ahead with innovative ideas.
What is the best thing about your job?
I love designing and sales as well as steering the business, and as General Manager of the company I get to shape it so that we keep improving day by day. There is a saying ‘keep improving until the end and improvisation does not stop’.
And the worst?
No matter what position in the company you hold, you will need to play politics at work. Beyond a certain point perception matters more than reality. At times you have to sacrifice your personal and social life as you always need to keep up the pace with your job and to be always a step ahead.
What was a standout moment in your career?
Witnessing the transition of our company growing to become a key player in the ceramic industry on a national and international level. This growth started taking shape with a series of mega projects award from 2003 to 2005, such as Palm Jumeirah-Villas-Nakheel, Old Town and Burj Views - EMAAR, up to now where we still lead in the market for prime and iconic projects.
What advice would you have for any young person wanting to get into your field?
Follow your passion. The best career is the one where you enjoy what you do and try to be innovative and go the extra mile to reach to your cherished goal. We could simply say that if you don’t walk the extra mile you will not taste the success, so my advice to new entrepreneurs is to come out of their comfort zone and don’t be afraid to do something different from others. If your innovation turns out to be different then the sky is the limit and the bottom line is that tried your best.
Your motto?
Opportunities don’t happen, you create them and when they happen they don’t wait for anybody. If you want to achieve excellence, you can get there today. As of this second, quit doing less-than-excellent work.
You can follow Carole on Instagram @ccnassif.